Joey Santiago

Joey Santiago, born Joseph Alberto Santiago on June 10, 1965, is a renowned Filipino-American guitarist and composer celebrated for his role as the lead guitarist in the iconic alternative rock band, Pixies. Since launching his career in 1986, Santiago has made a significant impact on the music scene. Following the band's split in 1993, he explored various creative avenues, scoring music for films and documentaries, while also forming the band The Martinis with his wife, Linda Mallari. Additionally, he collaborated on projects with artists like Charles Douglas and fellow Pixies member Frank Black.

In 2004, Santiago rejoined Pixies, marking a triumphant return to the group that had solidified his reputation in the industry. His distinctive guitar technique, characterized as "angular and bent," has drawn inspiration from legends such as Les Paul, Chet Atkins, Joe Pass, and Jimi Hendrix. Critics have lauded his contributions to the Pixies' sound, with MTV's Laurel Bowman highlighting his guitar work as a fundamental element of the band's powerful presence.

With a career spanning several decades, Santiago's influence and creativity continue to resonate within the alternative rock genre, securing his legacy as one of the most innovative guitarists of his time.